american sign language& deaf studies

Exterior shot of the Indiana State School for the Deaf building, a large brick and stone structure with prominent columns. Two individuals are walking down the steps away from the entrance. An American flag and the Indiana state flag fly from a pole to the right of the building. Green trees surround the building with grassy areas in front.

WELCOME TO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE & DEAF STUDIES

The American Sign Language & Deaf Studies Program is located on the campus of the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis. Faculty are Deaf, native signers who have taken intensive training in teaching ASL & Deaf Studies.

The curriculum provides for full immersion into ASL Deaf Studies through learning-centered instruction both inside and outside the classroom. The unique location allows for involvement and collaboration with deaf students and the vibrant Deaf Community of Indianapolis.

Find out if a career in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is right for you!

ASL & Deaf Studies Associates Degree

Certificate of Program Completion

Dual Credit For High School Students

A mosaic-covered archway composed of two pillars and a connecting beam, each covered in colorful rectangular mosaic tiles depicting diverse images and patterns. A brick pillar decorated with a dark plaque sits nearby, connected to black metal fencing. A black metal bench is situated in the background, beyond the archway. A green lawn and trees are visible, providing a natural backdrop.

Virtual Open House Video

The Vincennes University ASL & Deaf Studies program is located on the campus of the Indiana School for the Deaf. Check out the Virtual Open House Video.

Learn More About the Virtual Open House

In a classroom, a younger person in a blue quarter-zip sweater signs to an older person in a grey-striped shirt. They sit in rolling chairs, facing each other with papers on a desk between them. In the blurred background, other students are seated at desks, also participating in the class.

SPOTLIGHT ON ACADEMIC MAJORS: ASL & DEAF STUDIES

Many people may not know that there is an American Sign Language and Deaf Studies program provided by Vincennes University.

Read the Full Article on the VU ASL & Deaf Studies Program

Program Resources

Vincennes University is the only public university in the state of Indiana to offer an academic program in American Sign Language & Deaf Studies (ASL and Deaf Studies). Established in 1990, the VU course curriculum provides:

Learning-centered instruction both inside and outside the classroom
Application and practice to acquire and use ASL and Deaf Studies
Involvement and collaboration with students of the local deaf community

Strengths and Opportunities
ASL and Deaf Studies - Interpreter Preparation faculty are deaf, native signers who have taken intensive training in teaching American Sign Language & Deaf Studies. The vibrant deaf community of Indianapolis provides ASL and Deaf Studies students with varied opportunities to meet and interact with deaf individuals at sporting events, senior centers, workshops, church events, and numerous other types of activities within the community.

The VU Advantage
Successful graduates will have earned an associate’s degree in ASL and Deaf Studies and will be fully qualified to work side by side with deaf individuals, work in careers that come in contact with the deaf persons, or take with them a strong foundation of ASL and Deaf Studies and pursue a bachelors degree in interpreting, education, or other fields of study.

Transferability: Most VU students transfer into interpreter programs, earning a bachelor’s degree. They may also choose to study social work, law, and a wide range of other careers where deaf people are served.

Flexible Scheduling: VU offers flexible scheduling through classes provided at times that are convenient for you. Morning, afternoon, evening, and online classes are available.

Intimate Class Setting: A limited number of dorm rooms are available for those who are full-time students. Each apartment consists of a living room, two private bedrooms, and a bathroom located within the VU ASL & Deaf Studies Department Building on the campus of the Indiana School for the Deaf.

meet our faculty

Employee	Department	Job Title	Email Address
Beatrice Pfaff	American Sign Language		beatrice.pfaff [at] vinu.edu
Bonnie Conner	American Sign Language	Assistant Professor/ Department Chair	bconner [at] vinu.edu
Diane Jones	American Sign Language	FT Tch Overload	diane.jones [at] vinu.edu
Jennifer Kutcka	American Sign Language		jennifer.kutcka [at] vinu.edu
Kimie Casale	American Sign Language	Tutor - Hourly	kimie.casale [at] vinu.edu
Tamara Dominguez	American Sign Language	Secretary I	tdominguez [at] vinu.edu